Abstract

Emetine is an important drug in the treatment of amebiasis, even though it frequently fails to cure the intestinal form of the disease. It is indispensable in the management of amebic hepatitis and abscess,1 it controls the dysenteric symptoms most effectively, and there is evidence to suggest that it improves the end results of treatment in intestinal amebiasis when used in conjunction with other amebicides.2 Yet, fear of toxicity has led to the employment of ineffective doses and, in some instances, to the complete abandonment of emetine.23 There is evidence to indicate, however, that moderate to large doses may be